Air Force Cross for ‘Disco’ Discombe

By joburgess 0 Comments

Long-standing members of the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club may remember an item in the Club e-newsletter for August 2015 that reported an incident that had occurred with BBMF Hurricane LF363 on 25th July 2015 when one of the oil pipes to the aircraft’s constant speed unit fractured, whilst conducting a flypast over Cadwell Park racing circuit, 20 miles north of Coningsby.

Sqn Ldr ‘Disco’ Discombe climbs out of BBMF Hurricane LF363 after his forced landing at Coningsby on 25th July 2015. Note the underside of the aircraft coated in black oil which also covered the windscreen and much of ‘Disco’. (photo: Paul Harvey)

With the leaking oil staining the fuselage and windscreen, the pilot, Squadron Leader Mark ‘Disco’ Discombe, flew the Hurricane back to the airfield at Coningsby and, with the oil pressure dropping to critical levels and his visibility restricted by oil on the windscreen and canopy, he executed a faultless forced landing on the runway and brought the aircraft safely to a halt. ‘Disco’ had 30 hours flying on type when he landed from this emergency.

In the Operational Awards List published in October, Squadron Leader Discombe was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC) for his actions on 25th July 2015. The AFC is awarded for “an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy”. ‘Disco’ is surprised and delighted to be given this prestigious award. I am sure that all BBMF supporters will join us in congratulating him.

‘Disco’ Discombe is currently the Deputy Chief Flying Instructor at No 3 Elementary Flying Training School, Cranwell, and he flies the BBMF fighters as a secondary duty. He is due to take over command of the BBMF from Squadron Leader Andy ‘Milli’ Millikin after the 2018 display season.

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joburgess